Six candidates are vying for five spots on the Jim Thorpe Area School District board of directors during Tuesday’s general election.

Three candidates are cross-filed including Michele Mazzola, Christopher Fischi, and Pearl Downs Scheckler. Mary Figura is the lone Democrat on the ballot. Republicans include Michelle Banks and Scott Pompa.

Michele Mazzola

Background: My educational background includes two Master’s Degrees, one in reading and literacy instruction and one in educational administration. In my 21 years serving public schools, my roles included 14 years as a classroom teacher and seven in administration as a middle school principal and director of curriculum, instruction, assessment and special education. My five certifications range through chief school administrator. I continue to work as a consultant and special education advocate.

Why are you running for office: I’m running to ensure our children’s interests are at the heart of every decision made. They deserve the best in their academic and social emotional learning. I stand for open dialogue, transparency and ethics. Our children, parents and community deserve to be heard and given opportunities to be involved in decision making. I believe we need to review curriculum, its alignment to standards and the resources used to meet 21st century needs.

What is the biggest issue facing the district and how would you solve it: The biggest issue I see is staffing - retaining quality educators, attracting new hires, and ensuring each classroom has the most qualified individuals in place. The climate and culture of the staff should be assessed and positivity fostered. Quality professional development should be provided. Relationships and bonds with area universities or those with online programs can enhance the candidate pool and allow contracts to be offered to individuals proven to be a good fit.

Any other comments: I bring a thorough educational background with me, and a desire to push our school to positive growth. Our children deserve the best and I want to be a part of bringing that to them.

Michelle Banks

Background: I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership. I have a curiosity for exploring cutting-edge instructional and mental health research. In my free time, I enjoy the benefits of living in the Pocono Mountains with my husband and our three rescue dogs.

Why are you running for office: My reasons for desiring to serve on the Jim Thorpe School Board involve becoming part of a strategic team that works together to accomplish goals that better humanity. I believe in the quality of public education, and I am devoted to servicing the students who partake in its system. As a lifelong educator, as well as a learner, I want to share my time and expertise for the benefit of the Jim Thorpe School District.

What is the biggest issue facing the district and how would you solve it: From a global perspective, a profound issue facing schools is preserving a robust educational system while maintaining the integrity of its stakeholders. As a seasoned teacher, therapist, and supervisor, particularly in the area of special education, I recognize the adversities that are apparent in school systems. My focus is teacher retention, diversified learning, and mental health wellness.

Scott Pompa

Background: Current director/president Jim Thorpe Area School District Board of Education and district representative to the Board of Trustees at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Raised on Center Avenue in Jim Thorpe Borough and since 2001 a resident of Penn Forest Township. Married to Lisa “Kattner” with two children, Kristin, and Zak. Previously employed in leadership roles as union steward, supervisor and department manager. Retired after serving 28 years in adult and juvenile corrections/treatment.

Why are you running for office: Fair and equal representation to the district’s 1,800 students and 17,000 constituents of Jim Thorpe Borough, and Penn Forest and Kidder townships. Continued accomplishments of the past four years are a great example of what can be done when the majority work together to achieve goals with the interest of all constituents, students and employees in mind. Unfinished business, fear of return to failed leadership and false commitment by others are the reasons I seek re-election.

What is the biggest issue facing the district and how would you solve it: A priority for me remains to focus on reducing the highest school district budget in all of Carbon County. Over the past 10 years, our district’s enrollment has declined by nearly 600 students. Cyberschool funding remains a burden to the taxpayer. Engaging Harrisburg in school funding reform is a must. I will continue to scrutinize every dollar spent and evaluate the necessity of spending without harm to the education of our students.

Any other comments: My 2019 promise on education, oversight and accountability will continue. The past four years I successfully addressed failed leadership, brought outsourced classrooms back to the district, held the line fiscally, approved projects and partnerships which were beneficial to the entire community. Declining enrollment, transportation concerns, and improved education remain my top priority. Nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism continue to place favorites ahead of others, we must allow all students the opportunity to succeed regardless of inside connections.